Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staunton, IL (2024 Update)
- Staunton Solar Installation Cost: $16,257
- 25-Year Savings: $14,951
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staunton
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Staunton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Staunton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $16,257 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Staunton based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Staunton can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Staunton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,407 |
| 3 years | $-13,705 |
| 5 years | $-12,004 |
| 7 years | $-10,303 |
| 9 years | $-8,601 |
| 11 years | $-6,900 |
| 13 years | $-5,199 |
| 15 years | $-3,497 |
| 17 years | $-1,796 |
| 19 years | $-95 |
| 21 years | $1,606 |
| 23 years | $3,308 |
| 25 years | $5,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Staunton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Staunton, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Staunton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staunton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Staunton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,760. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Staunton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Staunton, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $9,565 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,175 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $16,995 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $21,026 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $25,267 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $29,719 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $34,382 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $39,255 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Staunton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Staunton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Staunton?
The average cost of solar panels in Staunton is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Staunton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Staunton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Staunton?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.